Judge Denies DOJ Bid to Lift Deportation Block to El Salvador's CECOT Prison

Deportation Block to El Salvador

• ⚖️ A federal judge has denied the Justice Department's request to lift a block on deporting individuals to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison.
• 🏛️ The Trump administration had invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport hundreds of Venezuelan nationals.
• 📌 The judge ruled that plaintiffs are likely to prevail in arguing for individualized hearings to determine gang membership before summary deportation.
• ⚠️ This ruling emphasizes the need for due process for individuals accused of gang membership.

Revocation of Protections for Cubans and Haitians

• 📄 The Biden Administration's sponsorship process for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans has been significantly altered.
• 🚨 Over half a million individuals now have 30 days to self-register for voluntary deportation via a government smartphone app.
• 🚫 Failure to comply will result in arrest and deportation, with protections and work permits expiring in 30 days.
• 📉 These individuals, who initially entered the U.S. legally, risk becoming undocumented if no federal court intervention occurs.

Immigration Fraud Allegations Against Student Activist

• 🎤 Columbia University student activist Mahmud Khalil faces new allegations of immigration fraud.
• 💼 The Justice Department accuses him of failing to disclose employment with organizations like the British Embassy in Beirut and a UN agency on his Green Card application.
• 🚫 This alleged omission is cited as a new reason for his deportation, in addition to concerns about his activities threatening U.S. foreign policy.